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That is my experience as well.
I've flown out of Atlanta before on a week day and seen 50 or more frequent flyers on the upgrade list waiting, most who of course end up in back.
That's another reason I cast doubt on the 'always upgraded if I buy the gate agent a starbuck coffee' non-rev guy.
If flying out of ATL, check out the upgrade list on a flight to MSP or other former NW hub. I've seen in excess of 100 on the upgrade list and 75+ non-revs. It's obscene.
If I've ever seen an empty seat in First, it's been decades ago. There is always a list of people wanting to upgrade to First at the gate. Just saw one two days ago.
I've been on flights where the main cabin was almost empty and first class was still completely full.
It depends on you. I don't lift a hand to play the "upgrade game". On most of my domestic flights, the economy exit rows have (by FAR) the most legroom, and half the time I get free booze riding in economy anyway, but I'd still rather fly in F, get free booze and dinner, and get out of the plane first.
Minor digression here... I'm a relatively unsophisticated flyer (I'm used to frequent short "puddle jumpers", not the long haul flights...). But when I've flown long haul, I was ignorant (or sly?) enough to intentionally book window seats.
Why? So that I wouldn't have to keep interrupting my naps to get up and let other passengers walk by to get to the bathroom, and also, I had room to slouch against the window to sleep. Not as much legroom as the aisle, I know. But no one was kicking my legs out of the way as they walked down the aisle, either.
That is my experience as well.
I've flown out of Atlanta before on a week day and seen 50 or more frequent flyers on the upgrade list waiting, most who of course end up in back.
That's another reason I cast doubt on the 'always upgraded if I buy the gate agent a starbuck coffee' non-rev guy.
I didn't say I always get upgraded, did I? Also, I don't always buy them Starbucks.
I guess I can understand your bitterness being an elite flyer losing your seat to the non-rev mechanic.
I never sweat the upgrade list. If there is an offer to upgrade for a reasonable fee, I might take it.
But I am not playing the game, anymore. With all the mergers, and fewer routes, there are just too damned many elites vying for too damned few seats.
These narrow body planes are usually 2 hours about and I can put up with about anything for two hours. I book a window see, and if possible exit row, and relax.
Besides, I have changed jobs, and don't fly nearly as much as I used to, and unless I make an intercontinental trip or two, I don't get the premier miles, anymore. This year, I am just an average passenger. I forgot how different they treat you.
With no elite status anymore, I can pick whatever airline takes me where I am going for the best money. They use a lot of 737s and are pretty low key. I like that
FA's or Gate Attendants - don't matter. It's all electronically monitored and very difficult for gate agents to circumvent "the system". You WILL NOT GET INTO FIRST CLASS unless you pay, are upgraded via your frequent flyer status, or the rare "operational upgrade" when you are bumped or coach is sold out. Don't even suggest it in a forum - you are wasting the time or the reader and gate agent with these suggestions. If you say otherwise then I will say, frankly, that you are full of it.
All that is generally true, but I have gotten occasional upgrades for no other reason than that the gate agent or (in one case) FA wanted to.
All that is generally true, but I have gotten occasional upgrades for no other reason than that the gate agent or (in one case) FA wanted to.
Yeah, It happens. There are what are called Op-Ups - operational upgrades: coach seats full, equipment changes, sometimes the gate agents want to just get the flight out on time and give you the first seat they can find. Rare, but it happens.
I only take a couple of flights a year. I'm 6'6" tall and I am uncomfortable in coach. I figure the additional cost of a first class ticket is worth it (to me) even for shorter flights.
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